19
Key numbers
28
Scientists
16
PhD students
10
Technicians
Laboratories
Laboratory of Animal Genomics
Michel Georges
Laboratory of Hepatology and
Gastroenterology
Edouard Louis
Laboratory of Human Genetics
Vincent Bours
GIGA-Genetics
The core expertise of the UAG is the forward genetic dissection of complex inherited traits in mammals.
Research activities of the UAG can be grouped in four main topics:
1. Medical genomics: genetic dissection of inherited predisposition to inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD)
The UAG is an active member of the Belgian and International IBD Genetics Consortia. We are using state-
of-the-art genomic methodologies to map risk loci for IBD, and to identify causative genes and variants
within these loci. We study the utility of quasi-infnitesimal models for disease diagnosis and progression.
The UAG coordinates the Belgian Medical Genomics Initiative (BeMGI) and wants - in that capacity - to
play a catalyzing role in the adoption of genomic information in the clinic.
2. Animal genomics: phenotype and genotype-driven screens for agronomically important genes
and variants & genomic selection
We are using the same state-of-the-art genomics tool box to identify genes and variants underlying inhe-
rited defects, embryonic lethals and breeding values for economically important traits, including disease
resistance. We are developing methods that exploit genomic information, including sequence data, for
selection, i.e. «genomic selection». We work mainly in cattle and pigs, and collaborate closely with bree-
ding organisations in Belgium, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
3. Fundamental genomics: polar overdominance, mutation and recombination in the male
germline, and transgenerational genetic efects: We continue to work on the genetic dissection
of polar overdominance in callipyge sheep
An unsual inheritance pattern that involves miRNA-mediated cross-talk between the paternal and
maternal homologues at the CLPG locus. We are taking advantage of the unique pedigree structure of
cow populations to quantify and genetically dissect inter-individual variation in de novo mutation and
recombination rates in the bovine germline. We use a mouse model based on chromosome substitution
strains to study the importance and mechanisms underlying transgenerational genetic efects.
4. BLV genomics: role and modus operandi of BLV-encoded miRNAs
The team of Dr. Anne Van den Broeke joined the UAG in 2012. Anne discovered a cluster of miRNAs
encoded in the retroviral BLV genome. Her team studies their role in the biology of BLV. Genomic
approaches are being applied to gain new understandings in BLV-dependent leukemogenesis.
Contact
Michel Georges
michel.georges@ulg.ac.be
+32 4 366 41 51
www.giga.ulg.ac.be/genetics